Aspirin Intolerance & Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by sharp shifts in mood. People living with bipolar disorder experience periods of elation and unusual activity levels as well as periods of severe depression and listlessness. Many factors contribute to bipolar disorder, including physiological and environmental factors.

While there is no known link between people with bipolar disorder and aspirin intolerance, a bad reaction to aspirin in someone with both conditions can be more difficult to deal with.

Bipolar Disorder and Other Diseases

• People with bipolar disorder are at higher risk for conditions such as migraine headaches and heart disease. Aspirin often is used in the treatment of these conditions. If a bipolar patient also has aspirin intolerance, treating these compounding conditions becomes more difficult.

Bipolar Disorder and Inflammation

• Research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in August 2009 establishes a link between systemic inflammation and bipolar disorder. Some medicines with an anti-inflammatory effect have been shown to stabilize mood, and it is possible that low-dose aspirin, which helps to reduce inflammation, may help bipolar patients.

Aspirin Intolerance

• People who are aspirin intolerant have a bad reaction to aspirin. They usually develop bronchial asthma or a sinus infection. Generally, symptoms of intolerance start to develop within three hours of taking aspirin. Aspirin intolerance can develop quite suddenly, even in people who have used aspirin without side effects for a long period of time. Because adverse events can destabilize mood in someone with bipolar disorder, it's important for bipolar patients taking aspirin to know the signs of aspirin intolerance so that they can discontinue the use of aspirin and recover quickly should an event occur.

Alternatives to Aspirin

• People with aspirin intolerance can relieve pain effectively with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. They should talk to their doctor about the potential dangers of these medicines and about safe dosages for treating pain or inflammation. Bipolar patients often take prescription medications to stabilize mood. Talk with your doctor about potential reactions with any prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.

Natural Inflammation Reduction

• Because bipolar disorder is associated with inflammation, it may be helpful to employ strategies to naturally reduce inflammation. Exercise is among the best natural ways to lower inflammation in the body. Regular exercise--30 minutes a day, five days a week--lowers the markers of inflammation in the body.